How to Hold a Guitar the Right Way: Our Guide - The Singer's Cornerhttps://thesingerscorner.com
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3232How to Hold a Guitar the Right Way: Our Guidehttps://thesingerscorner.com/how-to-hold-a-guitar/
https://thesingerscorner.com/how-to-hold-a-guitar/#respondWed, 04 Sep 2019 02:00:00 +0000https://thesingerscorner.com/?p=95943Good habits take time to develop. Learning how to hold a guitar the right way is no exception. It is especially important for the budding guitar player to develop good habits that will enhance and help to speed up learning and prevent injury.​Often in our haste to learn how to form chords and how to […]

Good habits take time to develop. Learning how to hold a guitar the right way is no exception. It is especially important for the budding guitar player to develop good habits that will enhance and help to speed up learning and prevent injury.

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Often in our haste to learn how to form chords and how to pick and strum, we sometimes will overlook posture and proper form. As a result, many beginning guitarists will get discouraged when it gets difficult or painful to play.

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Improper positioning of the hands or the guitar also can physically impede learning; as a result, it makes playing more difficult than it needs to be. Learning how to hold a guitar the right way will give the beginning guitarist a solid foundation to work from, making the process easier and more enjoyable. Let's look at the basics of how to hold a guitar.

Sitting Position

Acoustic Guitar Basic Position

The acoustic guitar's hourglass design allows us to comfortably rest the guitar on one knee (left knee for left-handed players, right knee for right-handed players).

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Sitting with your back straight, position the guitar against the stomach and chest area. Using your leg to support the guitar will free your arms and fingers to form chords and strum. It is important to be mindful of this, as, without proper support, it is your arms that are holding the guitar, which can cause fatigue and make it more difficult to form chords properly.

Classical guitarist often will use a guitar footstool to position the guitar higher on the body. Guitar footstools are available at most music stores and are relatively inexpensive.

Fretting Hand and Arm Positions

Once the guitar is supported and balanced on your knee, it is time to position the hands. Cup your fretting hand around the neck. Your fingers should form a loose "C" shape.

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Place your thumb perpendicular to the neck with the tip of the thumb positioned in the middle of the back of the neck. This will anchor the fretting hand, allowing your fingers to be free to form chords. When forming a chord, press the tip of the fingers as close to the fret as possible. Be careful not to place them on the fret as this may cause string buzz.

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Remember to maintain your hand in the "C" formation and keep it relaxed. Avoid the temptation to flatten out your fingers. It will take some getting used to. Once you develop the habit, however, it will benefit your playing by giving you a solid foundation and making it easier to form more complex chord forms.

Strumming/Picking Hand Position

Rest the strumming arm on the top of the guitar's body, allowing your hand to "float" over the guitar's sound hole. This anchors the strumming to maximize the movement of the wrist and strumming hand. Just as with the fretting hand, it is important to keep the moving parts as relaxed as possible.

Strumming/Picking

There are many techniques used in strumming a guitar. A basic strum is performed by alternating downward and upward strokes of your strumming hand. With your strumming hand, form a loose "C" formation.

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Next, drag the nail of the index finger down across the strings for the downward stroke. Follow this by dragging your thumbnail back upward across the strings for the upstroke. Keep repeating this until you achieve an even, musical rhythm. If you are using a pick, the motion is the same (more on holding a pick in a moment).

Standing Position

Playing the guitar in the standing position is an important skill to learn if you plan on performing by yourself or with others. Learning how to hold a guitar while standing, whether it is acoustic or electric, usually requires a guitar strap. The purpose of the strap is to position the guitar against the body and placing the bulk of the guitar's weight on the shoulder, allowing the arms to move freely. This becomes more important with electric guitars which can be heavy and cumbersome.

Strap Adjustments

The strap allows the guitarist to adjust the guitar and optimize its position to the body. Ideally, the strap should position the guitar so that your hands are free and positioned perpendicular to the body (the same as when sitting).

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Be careful not to position the guitar too high or too low as it may cause stress the wrists and hands. It may tempt you rockers out there to let the guitar hang low, imitating your favorite guitar hero, but it's wrong. We see it all the time, but keep in mind when learning how to hold a guitar, it is best to learn the correct way. Once you learn how to play properly, you can break the rules.

Hand Positions While Standing

Basically, the same rules apply to your hand position standing or sitting. When playing an electric guitar, many players will rest the side of their palms on the upper body near the bridge to facilitate single note picking and palm muting. Again, learn the proper way then experiment.

Holding The Guitar Pick

There are endless types of picks (plectrums) available in various shapes, colors, and thicknesses. Picks are made from a variety of materials, most commonly plastic, nylon or celluloid. Guitar picks can also be made from other materials such as metal, wood, glass, or even stone. Learning how to hold a guitar pick is relatively simple; using the pick correctly can be a bit more involved.

Picking A Pick

Material

Guitar picks are commonly made of plastic. They are inexpensive and can be purchased at any guitar store. The type of material and the thickness of the pick will influence its playability and sound. For a beginner, a standard plastic pick is a good place to start.

Thickness

A pick's thickness is generally described as Heavy, Medium, Light. The denser the pick, the more resistance it will have when striking a string. Light and medium thicknesses are good for strumming allowing the player to sweep across the strings effortlessly, while the heavier picks are better for playing single notes quickly.

Shape

The most common pick has a teardrop shape, and the player can hold the pick on the wide end using the pointed end to strike the string. Another common shape is triangular, which can be useful for strumming rhythm parts. There are endless types of specialty picks available as well. Start with a standard pick and experiment with various picks until you find one that suits your playing.

How To Hold A Guitar Pick

Place the pick firmly between your thumb and index finger with the pointed end of the pick perpendicular to the thumb and guitar strings. Position the pick so that you can strike the strings comfortably. The less the pick exposed the more control you will have when striking the string. Start with about 1/2 to a 1/3 of the pick exposed and adjust as necessary.

Strumming With A Pick

Strumming with a pick involves the same downward and upward sweeping motion as you would do using your hand. First, sweep downward across the top of the strings. The idea here is to minimize the amount of contact the pick that makes with the strings and still make the string ring musically. If the strum is too deep, it will sound uneven and clunky. If it is too shallow, you may miss notes.

With the pick parallel to the strings, sweep across, maintaining the same distance from the strings. Follow up with an upward sweep maintaining a proper distance. It may take a little getting used to, but practice until you achieve fluid motion, and it sounds musical.

Fingerpicking And Fingerpicks

Fingerpicks are plectrums that slip over your fingers. Guitarist use finger picks for fingerstyle guitar playing which is an advanced style of picking. Fingerpicks create a more pronounced and defined attack when using fingerstyle techniques.

A Final Word

In our eagerness to learn how to form chords and strum, learning how to how a guitar correctly is often overlooked. When learning the guitar, there will be times when we are bending over to see what our fingers are doing or perhaps we are just want to sit on the couch and strum while watching TV.

The important thing though is to be mindful of how to hold a guitar properly and strive to play correctly. Learning to play involves a series of repetitive tasks that develop certain muscles. Good posture and position help to lower the potential for injury. Repetitive stress injuries (RSI), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and neck shoulder and back stresses can occur from not knowing how to hold a guitar properly.

Listen to your body while playing if something is hurting or giving you trouble, stop, and address the problem. It is better to practice for a short time every day than to play for extended periods when you are just starting out. Playing guitar is an activity you can enjoy all your life. Learning how to hold a guitar the right way will help you become a better, healthier player.

]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/how-to-hold-a-guitar/feed/0Guide to Grow as a Musicianhttps://thesingerscorner.com/guide-to-grow-as-a-musician/
https://thesingerscorner.com/guide-to-grow-as-a-musician/#respondThu, 13 Jun 2019 17:33:38 +0000https://thesingerscorner.com/?p=95918Things every musician should know about music career growth, creating opportunities, and competitive advantageThe music industry doesn’t look to sell great music or even great musicians They look for the most profitable image. It takes a long time. You may want to work a day job so you can afford your expenses and work on […]

Things every musician should know about music career growth, creating opportunities, and competitive advantage

The music industry doesn’t look to sell great music or even great musicians They look for the most profitable image. It takes a long time. You may want to work a day job so you can afford your expenses and work on your music in the evenings.

Opportunities are never given, they are created. The primary focus of most musicians is getting your foot in the door.

The biggest secret to success as a musician is integrating all of your efforts (Ex- promoting your albums, getting people to your website, expanding your social media presence, promoting your live shows, seeking deals with labels, managers, promoters, etc.)

What do serious musicians do every single day?

Play their instrument(s)/record music to get better at their craft; set goals and have a plan to improve every day. Learn to critically listen to music, like, real, deep, critical listening. Treat your music career as a business: you identify your target audience and market yourself like crazy.

Build a team.

Surround yourself with people that can help you in the music industry.

Network. Form connections within your community, get into the music scene, stay on top of emails.

You’ll be busy, but if you’re serious, you’ll get it done. After all, when you’re new, who else is going to market for you as passionately? You need to get an audience first.

Grow your fanbase

One of the first things you can do to reach your desired audience is to establish an online presence--build a website so people can easily identify and distinguish you from other artists.

Check this out:

You can use services like Squarespace, Wix, Hostbaby, Bandzoogle, and WordPress to create your own website cheaply and quickly. When you’re just starting out, you need things to be simple and affordable.

Your site can host your music, HQ photos of you and your band, links to your social media accounts (gotta get those followers), videos, and anything else prospective fans would need or want to know about you.

Instagram is a perfect way for musicians to grow their fanbase. With it, you’ll be able to tell your unique story, develop your look or theme, post samples of your music or shows to let people know what they’ve been missing.

It’s also the perfect way to connect with other artists and learn how they are promoting their music. Social media is a great tool for learning new marketing/branding techniques.

Struggling to find your angle?

Make your Profile a business profile! This will give you email access, and you can analyze the success of your posts, like what time is best to post, what does my audience like/not like, etc.

And if you’re embracing Instagram, you’ve gotta embrace the hashtag.

Hashtags represent your brand and what your fans are searching for.

Decide on Music Distribution Methods

When it comes to distribution, it boils down between analog and digital.

Analog methods of distribution would include vinyls, CDs, and cassette tapes--and yes, cassettes are still relevant as they’re a cheap way to DIY distribution. If you’re just starting out, your focus should be on exposure: whether it’s cheap and ugly is irrelevant as long as your music sounds great on it once someone hits the ‘play’ button.

In terms of digital there are plenty of options, including Fluence, CD Baby, and TuneCore.

These platforms will share your music with relevant influencers, producers, audiences, recommendations, connections, and more. There are costs and they vary between the platforms in regards to fees, tools, and the like, so just be sure to do your research before deciding.

But wait, there’s more!

In the age of self-releases, DIY, and digital downloads, there are even more platforms new musicians can check out for distribution purposes.

Soundcloud

YouTube

Spinrilla

My Mixtapez

DatPiff

Apple Music

Google Play

Amazon

Spotify

Bandcamp

Like the others, these platforms will also have their own fees and expenses, but as a note: Bandcamp gives the largest percentage of earned sales back to the artist. If you’re looking to maximize your profit, that might be a good one to start with.

Developing Your Brand and Identity

What’s your story? Who are you? Where are you from? What’s the hook?

By telling people about yourself, your group, and your music, you’re setting them up to know what to expect from you. By learning about you, they’ll get a better idea of who the people are behind the music, which is essential when you are just starting out and trying to shape your audience.

You don’t have to write out your entire life story or the band’s journey from the garage to the local dive bar. Give them enough to be intrigued, and remember that your story can evolve and change as time goes on.

Part of your brand development is getting yourself out there.

That means performing live as often as you can. This is especially good to do within your local community who will, in time, become the basis of your core audience and fanbase.

Talk to bar and club owners about performing, even if it’s an unpaid gig. The more exposure you get early on, the more samples of your shows you can put on the Internet to let people know who the next big thing is.

How to Build a Lucrative and Long-Lasting Career

Part of building a sustainable career that grows is about evolving with the times.

Keep some of these questions in mind as your music career advances:

Where is your audience?

How old is your audience?

What music do they currently listen to?

What do they want to hear more of?

What do they hate?

Where do they listen to music?

Where do they buy their music?

You don’t necessarily want to change for the audience, but you’ve gotta keep your finger on the pulse of your fans. Tastes change and so will your music. Realize that can change who your fans are as well.

To really sustain your career, you need to protect yourself and your work. You can do this a few ways.

Licensing your music, for starters. That includes getting the necessary copyright protections.

The best part?

You can copyright your own music yourself at copyright.gov. This will help prevent others from stealing or using your work without your express permission. Another aspect of this is submitting your work to a music library.

You can also join a performance rights organization (PRO).

A PRO collects royalties generated from your music. It will collect your income streams so you don’t have to. This can be a time-saver and take one more thing off your plate.

For those in the United States, for PROs, you’d be looking at one of the following: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or SoundExchange (for digital performance royalties).

As you work on your music and grow your career, remember: Invest in yourself. Bet on yourself. Invest financially (buy a studio/recording software/etc.), and invest your time. Put the time, money, and work into your craft.

That’s your easiest ticket to success.

Be prepared for the long haul. You will get turned down, you won’t get responses, ignored, rejected, etc. It will be a challenging, up-and-down journey, but if you are determined, put yourself around the right people, and put in the work, you CAN be a successful musician.

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]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/guide-to-grow-as-a-musician/feed/0What Is a Metronome: What You Need To Knowhttps://thesingerscorner.com/what-is-a-metronome/
https://thesingerscorner.com/what-is-a-metronome/#respondSat, 01 Jun 2019 04:00:00 +0000https://thesingerscorner.com/?p=95923Whether you're a professional musician or you're just learning, staying on rhythm is of critical importance. However, with so much going on, from concentrating on your own playing to reading music in front of you, you may not be able to count out the beat in your head. This is where a metronome can come […]

Whether you're a professional musician or you're just learning, staying on rhythm is of critical importance. However, with so much going on, from concentrating on your own playing to reading music in front of you, you may not be able to count out the beat in your head. This is where a metronome can come in handy.

What is a metronome? A metronome is a small device that will maintain a beat for you. Sheet music will have a time signature, indicating the speed of the music. In order to help stay on top of the time signature, a metronome can be adjusted to make a click or other sound. This will help you maintain the tempo of your play without speeding up or slowing down.

Metronomes have been around for a long time. Now, many digital pianos have metronomes built into the keyboards. There are standalone metronomes as well, which can be carried inside of an instrument case or secondary bag. This way, whether on the go or remaining in a home studio, it is possible to stay on tempo with the aid of a metronome.

What Is a Metronome?

The metronome has been a key piece of equipment for musicians dating back hundreds of years. In fact, the name metronome even comes from the Greek word "metron," which means "to measure." The metronome itself is a rather interesting piece of equipment, as these devices have been around since before electricity or batteries, and yet the device maintained the desired tempo.

History of the Metronome

A man by the name of Abbas ibn Firnas first invented the metronome. While the exact year is not known, he lived between the years 810 and 887. The device was not used specifically for musical use, but the concept of the device was the same.

Galileo Galilei spent a considerable amount of time working with the pendulum. He helped push the concept further along, although he was unable to create a device that could maintain the same sway indefinitely.

Eventually, Etienne Loulie came around in the last 1600s and created an adjustable pendulum. This device became the first true mechanical metronome. However, this device did not make a sound, nor could it maintain the movement of the pendulum. It was designed for musicians, although since it made no sounds, a musician had to watch the device and note when it swayed back in the opposite direction. In many ways, the metronome was designed after the wave of a conductor's baton.

A device made specifically for musicians to help maintain tempo did not come out until Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel created such a device in 1814. Johann Maelzel took this design and named it the "Maelzel's Metronome" (he essentially stole the design plans from Dietrich and then named it after himself, which made it difficult to take the designs back). The patent design for the Maelzel's Metronome went through in 1815.

A number of prominent musicians and composers took advantage of the design of the metronome. Beethoven became one of the first individuals to use metronome markings on his sheet music, which he started to do just two years later in 1817.

Beats Per Minute

In order to understand what is a metronome you need to understand how it works. You will set the metronome to play back a click based on an established number of beats per minute. This is the number of times the device will "click" during the given minute. Most metronomes have a wide range, starting off at around 40 BPM (beats per minute). This is on the very slow side of the beats spectrum. However, many will then go all the way up to 208 (or around there).

When setting the beats per minute, a metronome will often put on display not only the beats per minute but also the time signature. This way, you know what the beats per minute of the metronome needs to be after seeing sheet music that has a 4/4 time signature. This will make it easier to adjust the metronome to fit exactly what you're looking for in terms of the beat.

Different Kinds of Metronomes

While all metronomes are used to maintain tempo by producing a "click," there are different kinds of metronomes. So, when looking at what is a metronome, it is important to keep in mind the different types. This will make it easier to select the right metronome for you and your personal needs.

The different metronomes you'll typically come across include the following:

Mechanical

Electronic

Software

Mobile applications

Mechanical metronomes are the oldest forms of metronomes. In many ways, these devices look similar to the original metronomes released nearly 200 years ago. With a mechanical metronome there is a swinging hand which has an inverted pendulum on the base of the rod. In order to adjust the beat and speed of the metronome, the weight of the device's rod is adjusted. This allows for the speed to change.

There are no batteries or electricity requirements for these kinds of metronomes, which is why such devices have been extremely desirable for musicians around the world. Despite not having any batteries or external power sources, mechanical metronomes are extremely reliable as there are no components that will wear down and cause a reduction in the device's generated beat.

Electronic metronomes are small devices, usually around the size of a credit card. An internal quartz crystal is used to help maintain an accurate beat over an extended period. It works in many ways to a digital watch. You will power the device on and adjust the beat with an up or down button. There are a handful of electronic metronomes that also produce a tuning "A," which is helpful if you need to tune a violin or other instrument.

One of the main benefits of an electronic metronome (which usually relies on a battery) is that you can adjust the sound created by the device. So if you don't like the "click" sound, you can adjust it to produce something else.

There are all kinds of computer programs out there that you can download that include metronomes. Most audio mixing programs have a metronome option. This is beneficial if you're recording external audio and you need to maintain the beat (either in real time or while mixing). The computer software is helpful for this.

For those on the go, a mobile application is a viable option. The mobile application downloads to a phone and works in a similar way to the electronic metronomes. This kind of application is beneficial as it not only is always there on the phone, but an individual can wear headphones to hear the click, if they don't want it to be audible to others in a performance audience.

How to Use a Metronome

Beyond the question of "what is a metronome" you will need to know how to use such a device. This is a great tool to use while you're learning not only a new instrument, but a new song. It can be tricky to stay on beat when first starting off. You may even adjust the device to rev down the beat so it's at half-speed, which makes it easier to learn the song before speeding it back up to the established pace.

Once you have decided on the kind of metronome you want, you can continue on with answering what is a metronome. Place the device on a table or somewhere near where you are practicing your instrument. Now, look at the sheet music for the tempo. You'll find this listed in the upper left corner of the sheet music, next to the kind of cleft being used for the composition (such as bass or treble). You can now set the metronome to match the tempo of the sheet music. As you begin to play, you might find that tapping your foot to the metronome makes it easier to stay on tempo while playing.

Selecting a Metronome

Now that you know the answer to what is a metronome, you will need to select the right one for you. You can have a metronome that fits into your pocket, or you can go with a mechanical option that has a better aesthetic appearance. If you want something that is especially easy to travel with, the application option is one to consider. Of course, if you have a digital piano you may already have a metronome built right into the device. Whatever you decide on, it is generally a good idea to have some kind of metronome on hand at all times while around your music.

Conclusion

In general, when shopping around for metronomes and you have the question of what is a metronome, you'll probably want to know if there is one brand that is significantly better than others. In short, no, not really. You just need to pick up a metronome that best fits your personal needs.

]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/what-is-a-metronome/feed/0The Best Acoustic Guitar Strings to Consider Todayhttps://thesingerscorner.com/best-acoustic-guitar-strings/
https://thesingerscorner.com/best-acoustic-guitar-strings/#respondWed, 15 May 2019 06:16:34 +0000https://thesingerscorner.com/?p=95776One of the most important parts of taking care of your instrument is making sure that its strings are of high quality and in good condition. Having high quality guitar strings not only helps your instrument sound better, but it helps it remain in good condition for a long period. Whether you’re just starting out […]

One of the most important parts of taking care of your instrument is making sure that its strings are of high quality and in good condition. Having high quality guitar strings not only helps your instrument sound better, but it helps it remain in good condition for a long period. Whether you’re just starting out or you consider yourself a pro, it’s never too late to learn about the best acoustic guitar strings.

Product FAQ

1. Do Guitar Strings Matter?

Yes. While the sound of your guitar won’t drastically change with different guitar strings, using the best acoustic guitar strings is an important part of making sure your instrument is performing at its best.

2. What Are Acoustic Guitar Strings Made Of?

Generally speaking, the three treble strings on your acoustic guitar are a single nylon filament, and the three bass strings are made out of a core of fine nylon threadlike filaments wound with copper wire or silver-plated bronze wire. But, strings can also be made of steel and other materials.

How We Reviewed the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings

When it comes down to it, there are tons of high-quality acoustic guitar strings that will make your instrument sound its best. Much of what makes strings the best acoustic guitar strings for you is based on personal preference. So, we’ve gathered some of the most highly regarded acoustic guitar strings on the market and will compare them based on key factors. This way, you can make an informed decision and truly find the acoustic guitar strings for you.

Overall Price Range

Depending on a couple different factors, you can expect to spend somewhere from around $14 to $40 on the market.

What We Reviewed

Features

These cryogenically activated blue steel strings are some of the most popular and acoustic guitar strings on the market. And with good reason. These steel strings are coated with -320 liquid nitrogen to get the most life out of your tunes. Strum as hard as you can on these sturdy strings, and they’ll still last longer than your typical brand.

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These steel strings are genuine blues guitar strings. They bellow loud and clear and give life to riffs that once sounded dull. Whether you are just starting out or are an expert on the acoustic guitar, these blues strings will make you understand what all the fuss has been about.

Features

These premium Nickel Bronze acoustic guitar strings are some of the best ​guitar strings for anyone, from beginners to experts. These premium uncoated strings are some of the best that D’Addario has to offer. The new Nickel Bronze wrap wire is specifically created to bring out the natural voice of each instrument the strings work with. The steel cores used in D’addario’s strings doesn’t disappoint, either.

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These strings find the natural frequencies of your acoustic guitar and elevate them, using your instrument’s strongest assets to create beautiful and even tonal qualities. These strings breathe unrivaled clarity into your music, letting each note resound with both strength and gentleness. They bring an outstanding balance to your music with harmonically rich overtones and unrivaled clarity, projection, and resonance. With rich, brassy undertones and a warm finish, these strings will give your music the life that’s been missing.

Features

These quality acoustic guitar strings are created to work with light tension. The phosphor bronze wound and plain steel strings, treated with ionic vapor, give your strings a full sound while resisting oil and grime. The ionic process keeps your strings healthy for a long time, resisting flakes, cracks, and peeling. The manufacturer activates proprietary compounds in a glow discharge electromagnetic plasma, modifying the surfaces of the strings. As a result, the strings resist oil, dirt, and damage.

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These strings will give you full, warm tonal qualities, bellowing the lowest notes and exalting the higher ones. These strings offer beautifully deep jazz tones that last for a long time to come.

Features

These strings come in three individual sets, enclosed in a single, flow-wrap package that works to prolong string life and keep them as fresh as they were the day that they were made. These strings give you a full, rhythmic sound without losing tension, tone, or quality.

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These nickel-wound strings offer a full, brassy sound that’s perfect for rhythm and blues music. The solid tone of Slinkies lends itself to a resonant sound that has a full body and strong finish.

Features

Like all of D’Addario’s strings, these are some of the best acoustic guitar strings available. These strings give you the perfect balance of projection, volume, and comfortable playability with a well balanced and bright tone. These strings are lightly coated and feature plain steel strings with hexagonal cores made of high-quality revolutionary NY High Carbon Steel that gives you perfect pitch stability.

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These strings will brighten up your music, and your day. They take the chords that have been sounding dull and give them new clarity and pitch. The light EXP coating protects the crisp tones without distorting or losing quality.

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Features

These popular strings made by Ernie Ball are so well-known for a reason: they give you clear notes, rich tones, and are easy to play. When you order multiple sets of strings, they come packaged individually so they stay fresh for when you’re ready for them.

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These strings will rock hard from their first day to their last. They have an earthy vibe that will keep you grounded and a strong bass that rides through your riffs. These strings’ rich, brassy tones and evenness will keep you coming back for more. These may well be your new favorite strings.

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Features

These finely crafted strings are some of the best acoustic guitar strings on the market. That’s because they’re made by Martin, one of the most highly regarded manufacturers in the industry. The Marquis line is made to pamper your guitar by adding a soft thread wrap at the ball ends, helping to prevent wear and tear on the bridge and end plate. This comforting layer of protection helps to create a sustainably strong sound.

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These strings are some of the acoustic guitar strings available because they give you a thorough tone and crisp, clean sound that bring sweetness and warmth into the room. Just as easy to play as they are beautiful to listen to, these strings are perfect from the bass right into the treble, giving every note a balanced and full body before releasing it into the room.

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Features

These strings will give you projection and clarity that outranks that of traditional bronze strings. These new and improved strings are corrosion resistant and have Ernie Ball Maraging steel hex cores and aluminum bronze wrap wire that give you more pronounced lows and clear, beautiful highs that glide through the air. These strings find a perfect balance between aluminum and copper, to give you the acoustic guitar strings available.

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You’ll be surprised by the full, bright chords reverberating from your acoustic guitar once you get these strings on, and you won’t want to ever use a different kind of string again. These give a full, strong sound to each cord, perfectly balancing the highs and lows so that you are left with an even and thorough sound that has a strong finish. And because these strings last so long, you can keep playing that music for a long time to come.

Features

Like the other Martin strings we looked at, these are made to last. The Lifespan strings give you all of the classic perks you love about your Martin strings, but are stronger and more lasting. These are designed to repel oils and dirt that can make your strings age and give them a deadened sound. The 80/20 bronze gives a brilliant and vibrant tone that will fill your heart.

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where to buy

These strings will bring brightened notes to a new level, balancing the individual qualities of each note with how it works in congruence with the whole of the melody. This is a bright, brassy, and alive sound that makes old songs sound renewed. You won’t want to put your acoustic guitar down after you put these new strings on it.

Features

These Phosphor Bronze strings are some of the best you can find because they’re made with Accurate Core Technology. These strings are made with superior core wire that provides a rich, full-bodied tonal quality to your music. Accurate Core Technology works to reinforce the core wire as well as fill in imperfections along the length of the core wire, giving you better pitch retention and stability as well as a fuller sound. These strings have a long life and sustain excellently.

sound

price

where to buy

These beautifully crafted strings will give you a powerful and bright sound that fills the room. These strings give you extreme stability through your tones because of Accurate Core Technology. The robust and resonant tone is strong from start to finish.

$$

The Verdict

If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitar strings for you, the best method is to get out there and try as many strings as you can. Realistically, guitar strings don’t vary too much on price point. And past that, there are a lot of similarities between the strings. Each of the brands has things to offer and qualities that make them stand out and shine amongst their competitors. But at the end of the day, the best acoustic guitar strings are the ones that feel right beneath your fingertips.

If you have an idea of which strings sound good to you but aren’t sure, go to your local instrument shop and see which strings are on the acoustic guitars there. Your music is going to sound its best when you are comfortable, relaxed, and able to let go and let the music guide you. Some strings might not get you there, because they aren’t comfortable, or something or other doesn’t feel right. So, if your acoustic guitar strings don’t satisfy you, try a new pair! One of the greatest things about guitar strings is that they’re pretty cheap. So even if you want to try a new pair of strings out on your instrument every week, you probably can afford to.

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that you’re comfortable and feeling good with the music you’re making. If your strings don’t do that for you, try something new. And if you have a favorite brand of strings, get out there and let people know why you love the acoustic strings you love! You might convince someone to take the leap and try a new brand or a new kind of guitar strings, and that could change their life.

]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/best-acoustic-guitar-strings/feed/0How to Read Piano Sheet Music in the Most Effective Wayhttps://thesingerscorner.com/how-to-read-piano-sheet-music/
https://thesingerscorner.com/how-to-read-piano-sheet-music/#respondWed, 15 May 2019 00:23:43 +0000https://thesingerscorner.com/?p=95772Quick Navigation Why Is Sheet Music Important? How to Read Piano Sheet Music in the Most Effective Way Practice, Practice, Practice Music is everywhere, and we all have the ability to connect to it in a visceral, emotional way. For the uninitiated, however, reading and understanding music on an intellectual level might seem like a […]

Music is everywhere, and we all have the ability to connect to it in a visceral, emotional way. For the uninitiated, however, reading and understanding music on an intellectual level might seem like a task for… someone else. Like most other skills, learning how to read piano sheet music takes dedication and a fundamental understanding of what’s on the page.

We’ve provided a helpful guide to get you started on your musical journey. Hopefully, this will help you understand the fundamentals of sheet music, how to read piano sheet music, and how to expand this knowledge in further musical endeavors.

Why Is Sheet Music Important?

Sheet music is a visual representation of a piece of music. By using musical symbols, sheet music indicates most, if not all, important aspects of an individual piece. This includes, but is not limited to, melodies, chords, rhythms, and speed—or tempo.

A musician’s ability to sight-read is essential. In the professional world, musicians will encounter a number of situations in auditions, performances, recordings, etc, that will require the ability to read and play simultaneously.

Sheet music also works as a record of existing music, which was much harder to preserve before the invention of the phonograph. In theory, anyone can look at sheet music and recreate the same song.

The Stave

The unmistakable lines that go across piano sheet music are called staff lines and the full set is called the stave. This basic structure allows you to differentiate the notes in a melody.

Within (and past) these lines, you’ll find all the notes, rests, dynamic symbols and measure lines or bar lines that make up a piece of music. There are too many to name here, but if you can identify how different note and rest lengths are denoted, you’re on your way to learning how to read piano sheet music.

Clefs

At the beginning of each line, you’ll usually notice one of two symbols, called a clef. While there are nine possible clefs, modern music typically employs up to four, of which two are most common: the treble clef and the bass clef.

The treble clef informs you that all the subsequent notes are to be played in a higher octave, while the bass clef is reserved for lower octaves.

Key Signature

Immediately to the right of the clef, you might find a series of sharp (#) or flat (b) symbols. Each individual symbol indicates that the note on that line should be raised or lowered a half note, which when read together indicate the key—or basic group of notes—in which the piece should be played.

Time Signature

Finally, to the right of the key signature, you’ll find the time signature in the form of what appears to be a fraction, though they shouldn’t be read as such.

The top number on the time signature indicates how many beats are included in a measure. The bottom number shows what type of note counts as one beat.

In 4/4 time, or common time, there are four beats in a measure, with the quarter note set as the standard beat. 4 quarter notes in a measure = 2 half notes in a measure = 1 whole note. You can probably see why 4/4 is considered common time. 6/8, on the other hand, would mean there are 6 beat in a measure with an eighth note counting as one beat.

Now we’ve gone over the general makeup of a composition, let’s go over the most effective way to learn to read piano sheet music.

How to Read Piano Sheet Music in the Most Effective Way

Choosing Sheet Music

Like learning to read any new language, when learning how to read piano sheet music, start with a simple, but unfamiliar composition. That means, no jazz: at least to start. You can find a simple piece in a beginner songbook or you can purchase one individually online or at a music store.

Label Your Piano Keys

Do everything you can to familiarize yourself with the notes on the paper, and the corresponding keys on your piano. You can do this by physically labeling the keys, with a permanent marker, or on a piece of tape, if you’d rather not write directly on the keys. Then, label the lines and spaces on your sheet music. Now, you can see exactly what keys to play based on the notes you see.

Mnemonic Devices

On the treble clef, you’ll notice the notes in the spaces, F-A-C-E, are easy to remember. The notes on the lines, E-G-B-D-F, might not be as easy. “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge” is a common mnemonic device used to remember these notes.

On the bass clef, you can remember the spaces, A-C-E-G, with the phrase, “All Cows Eat Grass.” For the notes on the lines, G-B-D-F-A, use, “Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always.”

By employing mnemonic devices, you can eventually graduate from relying on your labels, to knowing each note simply by looking at its position on the stave.

Number Your Fingers

Number your fingers 1-5 starting with your left pinky and right thumb. This is a fairly universal method of referring to the fingers on the piano, and will help you when you begin working on scales and taking further instruction.

Finger Placement

Now that you know your notes both on the sheet music and on your piano, get familiar with where your fingers should land on the piano. The black keys are helpful because they come in 2 or 3 note groups, allowing you to deduce where you are on the keyboard at all times.

Using the black keys as a guide, move your fingers over the keyboard until you can comfortably tell which keys your fingers are touching. Once you feel familiar, challenge yourself by trying to find specific notes using this method.

Drill Scales

Before getting into the actual composition, practice some drills that take you up and down different scales. This is where we begin to employ the numbered fingers.

For example: Place your fingers on the keyboard with your left pinky and right thumb resting on the root (1) of the scale you intend to play. C is a good place to start.

Then, ascend up the scale, playing 1-2-3-4, and finally reaching out to 6 with your 5 finger. You’ll notice you’ve jumped up one note in your hand placement.

Now play down the scale back to your 1 finger, which now plays the 2 note. Repeat this until you’ve gradually moved your hands up the entire scale one step at a time. The initial sequence should look like this: C-D-E-F-A-G-F-E, then D-E-F-G-B-A-G-F, and so on.

Practicing scales will not only help your dexterity, but it will also familiarize you with the positions of different keys. The key of G major incorporates a different grouping of notes than the key of B major, but shares the same notes as E minor.

Now, you can read a key signature on paper and immediately know which keys on the piano you’ll be using and you’re ready to learn how to read piano sheet music.

Study the Composition

Go through the piece, taking note of the different symbols, and try to imagine the melody as you read through. You can start by playing the first note of the piece as a reference. Tap your hand or foot to the beat of the song, as this will help you understand the rhythm of the piece while your brain works on the melody. When starting out, you can ignore some of the more complex commands, but make sure you can understand how two notes differ in pitch and length.

Play It Slowly

Look at your composition, place your fingers on the piano, and try to play the piece through… very slowly. Try to keep your finger placement consistent throughout, and as you being to feel more comfortable, try to play the song without looking back and forth between the keys and the composition.

In this step, focus more on the notes you’re playing, to begin building the relationship between your eyes, brain and fingers. When you’re comfortable, begin playing faster.

Read Ahead

When you’re at a place where you feel you can at least play the right notes based on what you see, begin reading ahead.

Try to get comfortable looking two notes ahead of what your fingers are playing. This might seem tricky at first, since you’re taking in different information than your fingers are putting out, but as you get more familiar, this too will begin to feel more natural.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Learning how to read piano sheet music, like any skill worth learning, takes time and patience. Aside from the physical act of playing the music, there are infinite musical concepts represented by a multitude of unique symbols, that can only take time to learn. You don’t have to sit for hours on end, but try to dedicate a little time each day to learn how to read piano sheet music, and your skills at playing will improve as well. It won’t take long to learn your first song; do your best to remember that feeling, and appreciate every new song you work to learn. Learning to play music can be frustrating, but even the best musicians are still learning, and improving by mastering new skills, big or small, is what it’s all about.

]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/how-to-read-piano-sheet-music/feed/036 Easy Songs To Learn To Play on Guitarhttps://thesingerscorner.com/36-easy-songs-to-learn-to-play-on-guitar/
https://thesingerscorner.com/36-easy-songs-to-learn-to-play-on-guitar/#respondTue, 30 Apr 2019 18:55:01 +0000http://thesingerscorner.com/?p=1384When you're first learning to play guitar, sometimes you need a little extra motivation to keep practicing. Your fingertips are sore, your fingers don't seem to want to bend in the right place at the right time and practicing chords on their own is just not that rewarding. You want to play real music, not […]

When you're first learning to play guitar, sometimes you need a little extra motivation to keep practicing. Your fingertips are sore, your fingers don't seem to want to bend in the right place at the right time and practicing chords on their own is just not that rewarding. You want to play real music, not just do drills all day long.

What's the solution? Learn a few easy songs that help you master basic chords and still feel like you're making good progress. The truth is, you will be making progress. You may even learn faster than you would otherwise because you'll enjoy the process more. You'll also have an advantage because, when you play a familiar song, you already have a feel for it in your head and you'll know right away if it sounds right or not. Check out this list of 36 easy songs to play on guitar to get started.

Classic Tunes

There are some songs that it seems everyone just knows, no matter what. Either they've permeated American culture for so long that no one can escape them, or they're just that catchy. These are good, familiar songs to learn on guitar, and friends and family may even sing along with you and encourage you to play more often.

"With or Without You" by U2. All you need to know is G, D, E minor and C. Put your capo on the fourth fret.

"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King. Play this song on guitar using the chords A, D, E and F sharp minor. That last one sounds tricky, but it isn't.

"Let It Be" by the Beatles. This song has a lot of chords, but they're all pretty easy. You'll need to master the A, A minor, C, D, D minor, E, E minor, F, F sharp minor and G chords. The F sharp minor is really easy to play, and although the F chord can be tricky, you can use an alternate chord (F Major 7) if you haven't mastered it yet.

"La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens. One of the simplest chord progressions ever if you can play an F chord or one of the usual substitutions. The only chords you need are C, F and G.

"Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding. This song has quite a few chords, but it's still pretty simple. You need to know the G, B7, C, A, E, D and F chords.

"Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett. Another super simple, extremely catchy tune. You can play it using just the A, D and G chords.

Country Songs

For some reason, simple major chords tend to dominate country and western songs. This makes them pretty straightforward to play.

"When You Say Nothing at All" by Keith Whitley. Whether you're familiar with the Keith Whitley recording or the Allison Krauss and Union Station version, you only need three simple chords to play this one: D, A and G. You'll put your capo on the first fret to change the key to E flat.

"On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson and friends. To play a simplified version of this fun song about adventures with your entourage, you need to be able to play the chords C, D minor, E, F and G. Put your capo on the fourth fret to change to the key of E.

"Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line. To play this fun song, all you need are the G, D, E minor and C chords. Put your capo on the third fret and you're all set.

Traditional and Folk

Think of these as your classic campfire singalong songs. Ready to get your camp on? Try these favorites with your camping buddies or kids.

"Old Macdonald." OK, so you don't think this song is cool enough for you, but even Elvis Presley released a version of this one! Swallow your pride and sing along with an oink oink here and an oink oink there. The only chords you need to know are A, C, D, E minor and G.

"Kumbaya." You know, that song everyone sings around a campfire even though nobody knows what it means. One reason it's so popular is that it's easy to remember the words. The other reason is that you only need to know how to play the G, C, A minor and D7 chords.

"Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. Put your capo on the second fret and use the C, D, D7, E minor, F and G chords to play this perfect mountain singalong.

"Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" by Harry Belafonte. Play this traditional Jamaican song using only the chords G and D7.

"The Yellow Rose of Texas." Another two-chord traditional song. This one uses only C and G.

"When the Saints Go Marching In." This song is great for beginners and uses only the chords G, D7 and C.

"Loch Lomond." This traditional Scottish song sounds bright and cheerful, even though the lyrics tell a different story. You'll need to master the C, D minor, A minor, F and G chords before you can play it.

"City of New Orleans" by Arlo Guthrie. This song, written in 1971 by Steve Goodman, is one that everyone seems to know the chorus to. Impress your friends by learning all the words. The chords for this one are C, G, G7, A minor, F and E minor.

"Teach Your Children" by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Bring out your inner hippie and play this one using only the D, G, A and B minor chords.

"This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie. Call it an anthem to America, or not. Either way, you can play this catchy singalong using only the G, C, D, G7 and D7 chords.

"Home on the Range" by Gene Autry. If you've always wanted a home where the buffalo roam, you probably already know all the words to this song. To play it on guitar, you'll also need to know the G, C, A7 and D7 chords.

Classic Rock 'n' Roll

These songs come from the garage band era, so they're perfect for practicing (and even performing) before your sound is perfectly polished.

"Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by Credence Clearwater Revival. A powerful but simple song. You'll need to learn A minor, C, F and G to play this one.

"House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals. This song includes the E minor, G, A and C chords. All pretty easy to learn, plus it's easy to switch between these chords without super fancy finger work.

"Hey, Jude" by The Beatles. This one has more than just a couple of chords, but they're easy to learn and easy to play. The ones you'll need to know are G, D, D7, C, E minor and A minor, with an F thrown in there to challenge you a bit.

"Down on the Corner" by Credence Clearwater Revival. This one is super simple to play using only the C, G and F chords.

"Midnight Special" by Credence Clearwater Revival. Have you noticed how many songs in this section are by CCR? It's not just a coincidence. There's something infinitely playable about their songs. They're easy to sing along with, too. This one is often included in beginner guitar books because of the easy rhythm and the fact that you only need to know how to play the D, G and A7 chords.

"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison. Does anyone not know this song? If you've been practicing guitar for any amount of time at all, chances are you also know the chords A, C, D, E minor and G, which are all you need to play this one.

"Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty. Another easy one that everyone can sing along with, and you only need to master the A, C, D, E minor and G chords for this one, too.

Pop

These pop songs are among the new classics that you and your friends can sing along with.

"Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri. Crank out this soulful tune using the A minor, C, D minor, E, F and G chords with your capo on the third fret.

"Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga. You'll get a more stripped-down version of this song by playing it on the guitar, but it's a welcomed change. An acoustic version is interesting and easy to sing along with. E minor, D, A minor, C and G are the only chords you need.

"She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5. You only need to play A minor, C and G chords to play this one. Put your capo on the third fret.

"Hello" by Adele. Translate this piano-heavy tune into the realm of the acoustic guitar with the B minor, C, D, E minor and G chords. Put your capo on the first fret.

"Clocks" by Coldplay. Put your capo on the first fret again and play A minor, C, D, E minor, F and G to master this one.

Two-Chord Songs

Sometimes you just can't handle more than two chords in a single song when you're just starting out. All that switching of your hand position gets confusing, especially when you're first starting out. These songs can each be played with just two chords, so they're easy to learn. Plus, you should get really good at those two chords because you'll be playing them over and over!

"For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield. All you need are the E and A chords.

"Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen. For this song, you'll need to play a B major (which is a bar chord) and E major.

"Give Peace a Chance" by John Lennon. Yep, just two chords in this epic song, too: C and G, with your capo on the first fret.

"Fallin'" by Alicia Keys. Although the piano is the featured instrument in the studio version of this song, it sounds pretty good on guitar, too. You can play it using just A minor and D minor with a capo on the second fret.

There you have it: 36 easy songs to play on guitar, whether you are an absolute novice or have been practicing for some time. What are you waiting for? It's time to start strumming!

When you’re first learning to play guitar, sometimes you need a little extra motivation to keep practicing. Your fingertips are sore, your fingers don’t seem to want to bend in the right place at the right time and practicing chords on their own is just not that rewarding. You want to play real music, not just do drills all day long.

What’s the solution? Learn a few easy songs that help you master basic chords and still feel like you’re making good progress. The truth is, you will be making progress. You may even learn faster than you would otherwise because you’ll enjoy the process more. You’ll also have an advantage because, when you play a familiar song, you already have a feel for it in your head and you’ll know right away if it sounds right or not. Check out this list of 36 easy songs to play on guitar to get started.

Classic Tunes

There are some songs that it seems everyone just knows, no matter what. Either they’ve permeated American culture for so long that no one can escape them, or they’re just that catchy. These are good, familiar songs to learn on guitar, and friends and family may even sing along with you and encourage you to play more often.

“With or Without You” by U2. All you need to know is G, D, E minor and C. Put your capo on the fourth fret.

“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. Play this song on guitar using the chords A, D, E and F sharp minor. That last one sounds tricky, but it isn’t.

“Let It Be” by the Beatles. This song has a lot of chords, but they’re all pretty easy. You’ll need to master the A, A minor, C, D, D minor, E, E minor, F, F sharp minor and G chords. The F sharp minor is really easy to play, and although the F chord can be tricky, you can use an alternate chord (F Major 7) if you haven’t mastered it yet.

“La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens. One of the simplest chord progressions ever if you can play an F chord or one of the usual substitutions. The only chords you need are C, F and G.

“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding. This song has quite a few chords, but it’s still pretty simple. You need to know the G, B7, C, A, E, D and F chords.

“Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett. Another super simple, extremely catchy tune. You can play it using just the A, D and G chords.

Country Songs

For some reason, simple major chords tend to dominate country and western songs. This makes them pretty straightforward to play.

“When You Say Nothing at All” by Keith Whitley. Whether you’re familiar with the Keith Whitley recording or the Allison Krauss and Union Station version, you only need three simple chords to play this one: D, A and G. You’ll put your capo on the first fret to change the key to E flat.

“On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson and friends. To play a simplified version of this fun song about adventures with your entourage, you need to be able to play the chords C, D minor, E, F and G. Put your capo on the fourth fret to change to the key of E.

“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line. To play this fun song, all you need are the G, D, E minor and C chords. Put your capo on the third fret and you’re all set.

Traditional and Folk

Think of these as your classic campfire singalong songs. Ready to get your camp on? Try these favorites with your camping buddies or kids.

“Old Macdonald.” OK, so you don’t think this song is cool enough for you, but even Elvis Presley released a version of this one! Swallow your pride and sing along with an oink oink here and an oink oink there. The only chords you need to know are A, C, D, E minor and G.

“Kumbaya.” You know, that song everyone sings around a campfire even though nobody knows what it means. One reason it’s so popular is that it’s easy to remember the words. The other reason is that you only need to know how to play the G, C, A minor and D7 chords.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. Put your capo on the second fret and use the C, D, D7, E minor, F and G chords to play this perfect mountain singalong.

“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” by Harry Belafonte. Play this traditional Jamaican song using only the chords G and D7.

“The Yellow Rose of Texas.” Another two-chord traditional song. This one uses only C and G.

“When the Saints Go Marching In.” This song is great for beginners and uses only the chords G, D7 and C.

“Loch Lomond.” This traditional Scottish song sounds bright and cheerful, even though the lyrics tell a different story. You’ll need to master the C, D minor, A minor, F and G chords before you can play it.

“City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie. This song, written in 1971 by Steve Goodman, is one that everyone seems to know the chorus to. Impress your friends by learning all the words. The chords for this one are C, G, G7, A minor, F and E minor.

“Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Bring out your inner hippie and play this one using only the D, G, A and B minor chords.

“This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie. Call it an anthem to America, or not. Either way, you can play this catchy singalong using only the G, C, D, G7 and D7 chords.

“Home on the Range” by Gene Autry. If you’ve always wanted a home where the buffalo roam, you probably already know all the words to this song. To play it on guitar, you’ll also need to know the G, C, A7 and D7 chords.

Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll

These songs come from the garage band era, so they’re perfect for practicing (and even performing) before your sound is perfectly polished.

“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Credence Clearwater Revival. A powerful but simple song. You’ll need to learn A minor, C, F and G to play this one.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals. This song includes the E minor, G, A and C chords. All pretty easy to learn, plus it’s easy to switch between these chords without super fancy finger work.

“Hey, Jude” by The Beatles. This one has more than just a couple of chords, but they’re easy to learn and easy to play. The ones you’ll need to know are G, D, D7, C, E minor and A minor, with an F thrown in there to challenge you a bit.

“Down on the Corner” by Credence Clearwater Revival. This one is super simple to play using only the C, G and F chords.

“Midnight Special” by Credence Clearwater Revival. Have you noticed how many songs in this section are by CCR? It’s not just a coincidence. There’s something infinitely playable about their songs. They’re easy to sing along with, too. This one is often included in beginner guitar books because of the easy rhythm and the fact that you only need to know how to play the D, G and A7 chords.

“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison. Does anyone not know this song? If you’ve been practicing guitar for any amount of time at all, chances are you also know the chords A, C, D, E minor and G, which are all you need to play this one.

“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty. Another easy one that everyone can sing along with, and you only need to master the A, C, D, E minor and G chords for this one, too.

Pop

These pop songs are among the new classics that you and your friends can sing along with.

“Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri. Crank out this soulful tune using the A minor, C, D minor, E, F and G chords with your capo on the third fret.

“Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga. You’ll get a more stripped-down version of this song by playing it on the guitar, but it’s a welcomed change. An acoustic version is interesting and easy to sing along with. E minor, D, A minor, C and G are the only chords you need.

“She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5. You only need to play A minor, C and G chords to play this one. Put your capo on the third fret.

“Hello” by Adele. Translate this piano-heavy tune into the realm of the acoustic guitar with the B minor, C, D, E minor and G chords. Put your capo on the first fret.

“Clocks” by Coldplay. Put your capo on the first fret again and play A minor, C, D, E minor, F and G to master this one.

Two-Chord Songs

Sometimes you just can’t handle more than two chords in a single song when you’re just starting out. All that switching of your hand position gets confusing, especially when you’re first starting out. These songs can each be played with just two chords, so they’re easy to learn. Plus, you should get really good at those two chords because you’ll be playing them over and over!

“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield. All you need are the E and A chords.

“Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen. For this song, you’ll need to play a B major (which is a bar chord) and E major.

“Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon. Yep, just two chords in this epic song, too: C and G, with your capo on the first fret.

“Fallin’” by Alicia Keys. Although the piano is the featured instrument in the studio version of this song, it sounds pretty good on guitar, too. You can play it using just A minor and D minor with a capo on the second fret.

There you have it: 36 easy songs to play on guitar, whether you are an absolute novice or have been practicing for some time. What are you waiting for? It’s time to start strumming!

]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/36-easy-songs-to-learn-to-play-on-guitar/feed/0Things to Consider in Looking For a Vocal Coachhttps://thesingerscorner.com/vocal-coach/
https://thesingerscorner.com/vocal-coach/#respondTue, 16 Apr 2019 18:40:01 +0000http://thesingerscorner.com/?p=1372Success never happens in a vacuum in any career, and this is true of music as well. Maybe you have a natural gift for singing, and that's great, but you still need someone to help channel that talent properly and guide you on the way to reaching your highest potential as a singer. If you're […]

Success never happens in a vacuum in any career, and this is true of music as well. Maybe you have a natural gift for singing, and that's great, but you still need someone to help channel that talent properly and guide you on the way to reaching your highest potential as a singer. If you're serious about a singing career, you need to find a vocal coach.

With that said, finding the right coach can be tricky. There are a lot of con artists out there running scams, trying to bilk money from unsuspecting aspiring singers, and there are honest, well-meaning coaches who lack competence. Additionally, there are well-qualified, successful coaches who nevertheless may not be a good fit for you, your unique voice, and your particular style.

Before you even start looking for a vocal coach, there are some things you need to know. Some are things that you have to know about yourself, while the rest are things you need to know about what makes a good coach.

Things to Know About Yourself

Before you start looking for a coach, you need to do some reflecting on who you are and what you want to achieve as a singer. Some of these are things that your eventual vocal coach will be able to help you with, but a basic understanding now will save unnecessary time and effort later.

1. What Do You Already Know About Singing?

If you're considering a musical career, chances are that you already have a good grasp of the basics, but it doesn't hurt to take stock of what you already know and brush up on areas where you may be lacking. Do you know how to care for your voice and keep it in shape with hydration, vocal warm-ups, breathing technique, etc.? Have you discovered the best range for your voice, and do you know how to choose songs that are within that range? Can you identify your own strengths and weaknesses as a singer? When you are ready to choose a coach, it will be helpful for both of you if you can explain what you already feel you do well as a singer and what, specifically, you would like to improve.

2. What Style of Singing Do You Want to Perform?

Do you want to sing in at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, or do you want to perform at the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville? You absolutely need to know this before you even think about looking for a vocal coach. You don't want an opera teacher to teach you how to sing country music or vice versa; it will only end up causing a lot of frustration for both of you.

3. Do You Want to Work With Your Coach Online or In Person?

There are pros and cons to either approach, and there are quality vocal coaches who will work with you either way (some may even be willing to do both). Some vocalists like the convenience of working with a coach over the internet, while others prefer to be in the same room as their coach. Whichever way works best for you is fine, but it's a good idea to decide this before you start looking because it will help you to narrow down your search.

Now that you've thought about who you are as a singer and what you want to achieve, take a look at the rest of the list, including things you need to know to make an informed decision when choosing a vocal coach.

Things to Know About Your Prospective Coach

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4. A Good Coach Should Have Understanding of Vocal Anatomy.

What do Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Julie Andrews, and Mariah Carey all have in common? Besides successful careers in music, they've all suffered from vocal nodules, calluses on the vocal cords that result from overuse, poor hydration, and/or bad vocal technique. While not life-threatening, vocal nodules can be painful and are seriously detrimental to a singing career because they affect the vocal cords' ability to function properly. Nodules can be difficult to treat, often requiring surgery, and, in some cases, can end a singing career permanently. The best-case scenario is to prevent nodules from forming on your vocal cords, to begin with, and a coach who understands vocal anatomy will be able to help you to develop healthy singing habits and preventative measures that will minimize the risk.

5. An Effective Coach Should Specialize in Your Chosen Style.

As mentioned above, an opera teacher will not be able to teach you how to sing country music, because the techniques are totally different. Similarly, a coach who specializes in folk music won't be able to effectively teach you how to sing pop, rock, or gospel. Before you choose a vocal coach, make sure he or she specializes in the style you are interested in performing; that's why it's important to decide on a style before you start looking for a coach.

Some prospective vocal coaches may try to attract as many students as possible by not specifying a vocal specialty, or claiming expertise in several specialties. It doesn't automatically mean they aren't qualified, but if you can't nail them down on a specific specialty, it's probably best for you to keep looking.

6. Choose a Reputable Coach With Proven Past Success.

This is crucial. Singing is a demanding physical activity that can put a lot of stress and strain on the delicate structures of your vocal folds. Your voice is your instrument, and you need a coach who can teach you how to avoid both short-term and long-term damage to that instrument so that you .

The sad truth is that anyone can claim to be a vocal teacher, and not everyone who does so is honest or has your best interests at heart. You want to pick a coach with a sterling reputation, with provable past success both as a performer and a coach.

This doesn't necessarily mean that you pick a coach who has worked (or claims to have worked) with big-name singers, however. Talk to other singers and ask them for the names of the best coaches they've worked with. This will be beneficial to you and coaches as well; giving the name of a current or past student will tell prospective coaches that you're serious about singing and have done your homework.

7. A Vocal Coach Should Have Teaching Ability.

Being a good singer doesn't automatically make you a good teacher. You don't want a coach who’s going to make harsh comments and nitpick every little thing you do wrong until you're afraid to even open your mouth. On the other hand, you don't want a coach that's going to fawn over you and tell you that everything you do is brilliant; that may be good for your ego, but it's not going to help you advance your career. You need a coach who will offer you the correct balance of encouragement and constructive criticism, who will praise you for what you do well and help you to improve on what you need to do better.

While it's important that your coach specializes in your style, that's only one of the ways that the two of you need to be compatible. Your coach needs to be flexible enough to arrange lessons that accommodate your schedule and to tailor lessons that are specific to your unique needs as a singer. Most of all, you and your coach need to have similar values, goals, and work ethic. For your professional relationship to be fruitful, you need to be able to trust and depend on one another.

Another Important Reminder in Teaching:

Another important teaching quality is accessibility. Will your coach be available for you to contact with questions while you're working on your own, or will she or he only be available to you during your scheduled lesson time? To be clear, that's not to say that you should feel free to call your coach with questions at all hours of the night; if you expect your coach to be accommodating and respectful of your schedule, you need to extend your coach the same courtesy. With that said, however, your coach should be willing and able to provide contact information and specific hours that he or she will be available for you to contact outside of your regular lessons.

8. An Introductory Lesson Can Benefit Both of You

While the referral and interview processes are important, perhaps the best way to find out if you and your prospective coach will work well together is to have an introductory lesson. This low-pressure, no-strings-attached introductory lesson should give each of you a good idea of whether you will be compatible in the long run. Because it is a trial introduction, without a commitment being made by either party, your prospective coach should offer it at a reduced rate from the usual fee.

As you embark on your singing career, your relationship with your vocal coach may be the most important relationship that you have. Use what you have learned here to assess yourself and prospective coaches. Then, when you choose the right coach, your professional relationship has a better chance of being long and rewarding for both of you.

]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/vocal-coach/feed/0The Greatest Acapella Groups of All Timehttps://thesingerscorner.com/acapella-groups/
https://thesingerscorner.com/acapella-groups/#commentsTue, 09 Apr 2019 18:26:28 +0000http://thesingerscorner.com/?p=1402The Pitch Perfect movies introduced a broad audience to the world of acapella. The quirky cast delivered catchy renditions of some of the most iconic Top 40 tunes. If you think acapella is a new phenomenon, though, you are sorely mistaken. In fact, acapella groups have been delighting audiences for centuries. Whether you are a […]

The Pitch Perfect movies introduced a broad audience to the world of acapella. The quirky cast delivered catchy renditions of some of the most iconic Top 40 tunes. If you think acapella is a new phenomenon, though, you are sorely mistaken. In fact, acapella groups have been delighting audiences for centuries. Whether you are a music lover or are simply looking for tickets to a show of a different genre, you should know a few things about acapella. Here, we discuss the greatest acapella groups of all time. We don’t, however, attempt to rank these groups, as each has added a different, yet important contribution to acapella.

Our List of Acapella Groups

Pentatonix

Pentatonix is an acapella group that formed around 2011 and has since then released several holidays and mainstream albums. Consisting of five vocalists, Pentatonix focuses its performances on covers of popular songs. While most of the music the group produces comes from the pop genre, the singers have performed traditional, country and R&B selections as well. Pentatonix isn’t only a delight to hear. On the contrary, the group has released several music videos that are a feast for the eyes. With three Grammy wins, Pentatonix is clearly one of the greatest acapella groups of all time. Check out the group’s collaboration with Dolly Parton on the classic tune “Jolene” for a true demonstration of what the Pentatonix vocalists can do.

Straight No Chaser

Straight No Chaser first appeared at the University of Indiana in 1996. The group didn’t gain widespread appeal, however, until its hilarious and catchy rendition of “the 12 Days of Christmas” went viral online. Even though the group has several holiday albums, it has an extensive catalog of covers from other musical disciplines. The endearing personalities of the nine members give this group real staying power in the acapella genre. Add “Creep” to your playlist for an unforgettable acapella experience.

Home Free

Pop music-inspired tunes seem to be the norm with most acapella groups. That isn’t the case with Home Free. This quirky group delivers country-influenced tunes with flair and finesse. Every time Home Free hits the stage, the humor of the group members is on full display. With hints of bluegrass and western swing, the songs in the Home Free catalog are unbelievably catchy. If you are looking for a good selection of Home Free music, start with the group’s cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Then, switch to the rendition of “Honey, I’m Good,” for a toe-tapping good time.

Peter Hollens

Does one person belong on a survey of the greatest acapella groups of all time? Instead of debating that question, listen to the uber-talented Peter Hollens. This man delivers a compelling performance every time he takes the stage, singing as many as 14 individual parts during one song. If you are a fan of movie soundtracks or show tunes, you are certain to get a thrill from Peter Hollens. Head over to YouTube and appreciate Mr. Hollens’ version of the Leonard Cohen classic, “Hallelujah.” “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman is also a must-hear. Be careful, though, as the Hollens’ covers can lead to hours of distraction and enjoyment.

VoicePlay

For a group to separate itself from other acapella artists, it sometimes needs a gimmick. VoicePlay has found the perfect one. The five singers here supplement their talents with a rotating guest artist. The result is capable, catchy music with celebrity appeal. Even when the group chooses an amateur artist to accompany it, the singers opt for an individual who can bring out their best qualities. VoicePlay’s medley of songs from Moana with Rachel Potter offers a great sampling of the group’s work. If you prefer something a bit more mainstream, check out “Cheerleader,” a cover of OMI’s smash hit.

The Filharmonic

The Filipino-American acapella group the Filharmonic covers songs from a variety of musical genres. The five vocalists in the group gained widespread fame after appearing on national television in a competition show. Following that success, the Filharmonic embarked on a lengthy tour, where the group developed a devoted following. Today, the five vocalists continue to tour while making records and posting pieces online. The group’s emotional and haunting cover of John Legend’s “All of Me” is about as good as it gets. Still, the Filharmonic isn’t a one-trick pony. Their “Monster Mash-Up” medley, featuring “Drag Me Down,” “Stitches,” “Bad Blood,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” and “Omen” is both fun and catchy. Watch the video to see the singers don some epic face paint.

Gentleman’s Rule

Gentleman’s Rule is a seven-member vocal group changing the perception of acapella music. Colloquially known as G-Rule, the members first found success in 2012 with the release of their now-famous “Pachanelly Canon.” G-Rule has toured extensively, introducing audience members to the group’s unique covers of popular songs. Meanwhile, the vocal group has racked up millions of views on YouTube and other video streaming sites. The brilliance of G-Rule lies in the vocalists’ fearless approach to making music. That is, the group conquers tunes from virtually every musical genre. For a good survey of the range of the seven musicians in G-Rule, listen to “FourFiveSeconds,” a beautiful cover of the tune by Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney.

Voca People

If you want to have a good time, you need to look no further than the talented artists who make up Voca People. This group combines humor, music, and skill to deliver a truly entertaining performance. Since the eight members of Voca People are singers and comedians, they have a unique take on what acapella means. The artists don’t just stick to popular music, either. On the contrary, the members of Voca People tackle musical selections from a variety of genres. They even attempt classical tunes in their efforts to entertain the audience. Meanwhile, the unique arrangements of each piece in the set are unlike any other in the acapella world. Simply put, the innovative approach of these skilled musicians is changing the face of acapella for the better. For a quick introduction into everything, Voca People has to offer, watch the group’s “Disney Medley.” Or, stream “Treasure” for an instant ear worm.

Naturally 7

Seven seems to be the magic number when it comes to successful acapella groups. While enjoying more or fewer vocalists is certainly possible, a seven-piece group provides full sound without overwhelming the audience. Naturally 7 understands this formula perfectly, bringing together the right number of talented singers to deliver a compelling performance. Specifically, when members of Naturally 7 sing, it is virtually impossible to tell the difference between human voices and the musical instruments they are mimicking. Meanwhile, the arrangements group members manage to put together are catchy without seeming overdone or rote. The group’s cover of Coldplay’s “Fix You” put Naturally 7 on the acapella map. If you want a broader sampling, listen to Naturally 7’s cover of the Phil Collin’s classic, “Feel It (In the Air Tonight).”

Street Corner Symphony

Modern acapella is an experience for all the senses. That is, most groups combine attire and movement with vocals to deliver a well-rounded performance. That isn’t true with Street Corner Symphony. Instead of flashy dancing and stylish costumes, the members of Street Corner Symphony don their own clothes and essentially stay put on stage. The result in a wholesome performance that emphasizes musicality over showmanship. If this sounds boring, it isn’t. The talent of each member of the Street Corner Symphony is undeniable when the vocalists get warmed up. Not only do singers hit tough notes like pros, they deliver an instrumental performance that is perhaps the best in the genre. A quick listen to “Hey, Soul Sister,” a cover of the Train tune turns even skeptical individuals into immediate fans. Meanwhile, the Street Corner Symphony version of “Madness” is a must-hear for anyone who is passionate about acapella or music generally.

Vocal Rush

Vocal Rush is a school-based acapella group hailing from the Oakland School for the Arts. The cool thing about Vocal Rush is that it consists of artists who are only between 15 and 18 years old. Even though the group is relatively young, the musicality of Vocal Rush is undeniable, as young singers work hard to deliver a pitch-perfect performance. As such, it isn’t hard to see why Vocal Rush has earned multiple national titles in high school acapella competitions. If you are looking to see what Vocal Rush has to offer, watch their versions of “Against All Odds” and “Bottom of the River.” Chances are good you won’t be able to tell the difference between the young singers in Vocal Rush and the older artists of another top acapella groups.

Even though you may not be too familiar with it, acapella isn’t new to the music world. Whether you want to expand your musical horizons or just listen to some great music, consider looking up some of the greatest acapella groups of all time. If you can’t download or stream selections from these groups, consider buying an old-fashioned CD or record. Or, check touring schedules. Remember, there is nothing quite like seeing an acapella group in person.

]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/acapella-groups/feed/1The Singer’s Guide to Breath Control and Techniques to Help You Hit Every Notehttps://thesingerscorner.com/breath-control/
https://thesingerscorner.com/breath-control/#respondThu, 21 Mar 2019 22:56:19 +0000http://sbp.tgcsitechecker.com/?p=95478Via: Pexel Eat. Sleep. Sing. Repeat. Is that your life motto? Great, now add breath control. Let's try again: Via GIPHY Via GIPHY Via GIPHY Via GIPHY Via GIPHY You see, you can only sing for so long if you don't know how to breathe well. Breathing for singing isn't the same as […]

Breath Control Tip: Don't be afraid to make up your own breath control exercises because everyone's bodies are different. If there's a particular type of exercise you enjoy, find similar exercises to keep things fresh.

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Let it all out...slowly

Once your lungs are full of air, you can breathe out. But don't let all of your air out at once.

You're not a balloon.

You have to maintain that air so you can sing through the entire phrase.

Learning how to breathe out is just as essential as learning how to breathe in. Inhalation is only one part of breath control.

Here are some ideas for control:

Use a stopwatch.

Time yourself to see how long it takes for you to breathe out. First, breathe out without singing. Then try the exercise when singing a note.

Use a timer.

Instead of letting the air go, try and ration your air. Set a timer for eight seconds and let one-fourth of the air go every two seconds.

Hold a breath competition.

Have any fellow singer friends or kids? Get a few together and see who can exhale the longest.

Listen to Fel:

Reminder:

You won't have impeccable breath control overnight. Developing those muscles takes time, so don't give up if you don't see immediate results.

How To: Breath Control Exercises

We hit some exercises, but that barely scratches the surface. There are many breath control exercises you can do to increase your lung capacity and maintain control.

Some breath control exercises focus more on your breath and breath support.

Other exercises involve singing.

No set of exercises is inherently better than another. It's up to you to decide which exercises you like.

Here's how to approach breath control exercises:

When you first start working on breath control, doing it daily might seem intimidating. But daily practice is key to improvement.

You wouldn't go for a week or a month without singing, right?

Give your breath the same attention as your voice, and you'll be well on your way to excellent breath control.

Remember this:

Consistency is important. If you can't commit to every day, try once every two days.

Do you need to spend hours a day working on breath control?

You shouldn't have to spend more than 10 to 15 minutes a day strictly on breath control.

Here's a better idea:

Multi-task! You can do some exercises while doing something else.

Try practicing breath control on your commute, in the shower, or while cooking dinner.

You can easily add breath control into your daily routine, and it doesn't have to take up much of your time.

After you're comfortable doing that, fill your lungs in two counts: one half then the second half.

Slowly exhale.

Finally, take in a full breath of air in one count then exhale.

Hands on your stomach

This next exercise will make you very aware of what your body is doing when you breathe. You can stand, sit, or lie down, just choose a comfortable position.

Listen to what Kim has to say:

Feel your stomach move as you inhale and exhale.

Sometimes, being aware of your own breathing can make a big difference in how you approach breath control when singing.

Consider a teacher: A vocal coach isn't necessary, but it can be very helpful. Most private voice teachers and coaches know many different breath control exercises, and they can tailor the exercises for you.

Breath Control for Singing

Your body doesn't know to inhale a large amount of air because you have a long phrase ahead. You have to send those signals by contracting the diaphragm and breathing in the necessary amount of air.

The entire point of studying breath control is to improve your singing.

And the diaphragm is where you want to start.

Your diaphragm contracts so that your lungs can suck in large amounts of air. That means you can take in the largest quantity of air in the shortest amount of time.

Use breaths to add shape

Many singers and musicians do what they do to make their audience feel something. To do that, you have to tell a story.

You can't just sing like a robot.

Not only are breaths a great way to maintain your air flow, but they're also the perfect tool for adding shape to the music.

Where you breathe can emphasize specific phrases and moments in a song that you want to highlight. You can also use a full breath to hit that high note or to sustain a long note at the end of a phrase.

Breathing correctly will give the music a story. Lyrics can only take you so far.

Support your voice

The last thing you want is to ruin your vocal cords...

or is it vocal folds?

Whatever you choose to call your larynx, or voice box, make sure you take care of it.

As a singer, your voice is your instrument. If it gets damaged, you can't send it off to the repair shop.

Sure, you could have surgery to repair your vocal cords, but that's not ideal.

]]>https://thesingerscorner.com/breath-control/feed/0Learn How To Belt When Singing: Tips And Trickshttps://thesingerscorner.com/how-to-belt/
https://thesingerscorner.com/how-to-belt/#respondMon, 11 Mar 2019 09:17:22 +0000http://thesingerscorner.com/?p=1436Whether you are just beginning singing lessons or have been training for years, it is likely you have come across the term “belting.” Belting is a well-known singing technique used by pop, gospel, rock, and Broadway vocalists alike and is characterized by a loud and powerful sound. Belting has a mixed reputation in the singing […]

Whether you are just beginning singing lessons or have been training for years, it is likely you have come across the term “belting.” Belting is a well-known singing technique used by pop, gospel, rock, and Broadway vocalists alike and is characterized by a loud and powerful sound. Belting has a mixed reputation in the singing world and with good reason. If learned and utilized improperly, belting can be very harmful to a singer’s instrument. However, done with proper technique, belting is an excellent tool in singer’s arsenal.

Just like learning any other skill, learning how to belt takes a lot of practice. It is essential to properly train the muscles that support the vocal cords to create a better and more consistent sound. Let’s dive further into the information that will get you on your way to belting out those powerful and impressive notes.

Important Terms

Before we go over practice techniques and tips and tricks, let’s review some key vocal terms. Understanding the areas of your voice will help you learn how to strengthen and utilize them properly.

Chest Voice. This is the lower end of your vocal register and has the sound quality and range of your natural speaking voice. When you sing in this lower range, you typically feel the sound vibrations in your chest.

Head Voice. This is the higher end of your vocal range and typically has a bright, sharp tone. When you sing in this upper register, you usually feel the sound vibrations in your head.

Mix Voice. This is the space in your voice where you transition from your lower to your upper register or vice versa. It takes a lot of practice to transition seamlessly between these different tonal qualities and placements.

Vocal Break. Your break is the natural point when your voice transitions from head to chest voice. For beginning singers, it marks a shift in tonal quality where the more powerful chest voice becomes a breathier head voice.

Belting. Again, belting is essentially bringing the big, powerful sound of your chest voice up into notes you would typically sing in your mix or head voice.

Practice Techniques

Now that we have discussed some important vocal vocabulary, below is a collection of practice techniques that will help you start or continue to develop your belt range. You will notice that the majority of proper singing techniques have more to do with your body than actually singing. If you are practicing and start to feel your leg and core muscles getting tired, but you feel like you could still keep going for hours, that’s a great sign! That means your body is supporting your sound, and that is a key ingredient in learning how to belt those big notes.

Warm up your voice! Start with humming major scales to get your vocal cords gently moving. Then continue on to singing scales using specific vowels, and finish with warm-ups that use words and phrases. Just like with any other physical activity, it is crucial to warm up before jumping into training to avoid injury.

Relax your vocal cords. It may be tempting to tighten your vocal cords to push out a powerful sound, but this just limits the tonal quality you are able to produce. Relaxing and letting go of vocal tension allows the cords to move more freely and thus create a better-quality sound.

Focus on building vocal strength. Depending on where you are in your training, your singing voice will be at varying degrees of strength. For example, a Broadway performer doing eight shows a week will have more vocal resilience than someone just beginning to sing. As you work to build strength, proper technique will help to protect your voice from any harmful strain. Remember, if you are singing correctly, you should always be comfortable.

Find and use vocal exercises. Vocal exercises are an essential component to singing success. Use the internet or talk to a vocal coach to create a warm-up and vocal exercise regime that works for you. These exercises help build vocal strength as well as smooth out the transition between chest and head voice.

Posture matters. Proper posture is a key ingredient to building proper singing technique. The position of your body can both positively and negatively impact your vocal quality. Before you even sing one note, make sure your body alignment is in order. Start from your feet and work up through your body, checking in at specific areas to ensure they are working correctly to support your voice. Your body should basically be in a standing plank position. Here is a list of cues to help you achieve proper alignment:

Picture a string lifting the top of your head to lengthen the back of your neck.

Tuck your chin slightly and keep it parallel to the floor. Pro tip: It will be tempting to throw your head back to hit those high notes, but this actually pinches your vocal cords and limits the sound they can produce.

Don’t forget to breathe. Breath support is critical when practicing proper belt technique. Since you cannot sing unless air is moving through your vocal cords, learning how to utilize proper breathing will definitely enhance your vocal quality. However, you want to avoid using too much air to push those notes out. Overusing air to force a big powerful sound will actually wear your voice out and weaken it.

Tips and Tricks

The magic of your mix Learning how to belt properly comes down to increasing vocal strength and control. An excellent way to develop your belt range is also to build your mix range. As discussed previously, mix voice is a blend of both chest and head voice. Once again, instead of straining your chest voice higher and higher, developing a proper mix allows you to blend through your vocal break for a cleaner sound.

Get your soft palate and tongue working together. In order to create enough space for your voice to resonate, you need to raise your soft palate and lower your tongue. This specific configuration feels a lot like yawning. Furthermore, keeping your tongue down also helps keep the larynx down which in turn allows the voice to belt and handle the pressure associated with volume and power.

Not all vowels are created equal. As you are learning to belt, some vowel combinations make it easier to lift the soft palate and lower the tongue. When you start practicing, begin using vowels like Ih, Er, Ah, and Eh during your vocal warm-ups. Then as you progress and build strength, move to harder combinations like Aw, Oo, and Ee.

Daily practice is crucial to success. Not only does regular practice build strength, but it also builds muscle memory. Creating muscle memory is important for vocal competitions, auditions, or any situation where nerves may get in the way of proper technique. It is so much better for your voice to practice daily in small chunks of time rather than a long session once a week.

If your voice starts hurting, stop. Singing should never be painful. If you are experiencing any vocal pain while practicing, stop immediately and rest. When you practice, make sure to stay hydrated because it keeps your instrument properly

Patience, patience, patience. Learning a new vocal technique takes time. There is no overnight belting exercise or method that will suddenly have you singing like your favorite pop or Broadway star. Take the time to learn the technique correctly so you are developing your voice in a healthy way rather than harming it.

Bringing It All Together

As you continue on your vocal journey, working with a professional vocal coach or online training program will help develop necessary skills while avoiding injury. And remember, practicing imperfection makes those imperfections perfect. So, practice using proper technique and do not cut corners. This will keep your voice healthy and help you build the strength necessary for those big and powerful notes. Below are few do's and don’ts to help summarize the information above.